The Wind Ensemble features the finest musicians in the Dakota High School Band program. The Wind Ensemble meets 4th hour and is made up of students from all grade levels. The Wind Ensemble performs the finest literature and continues the development of refined, professional skills. The Wind Ensemble will perform many concerts throughout the school year and during the month of April is a participant of the MSBOA State Festival. This select group will also participate in outside musical opportunities when they present themselves. Members of this ensemble are highly encouraged to study privately with our adjunct faculty. Additionally, these students are required to provide professional concert critiques, and participate in MSBOA solo and ensemble and MSBOA region band events.
The Symphonic Band is one of three concert bands in the Dakota High School band program. The Symphonic Band meets 5th hour and is made up of students from all grade levels. The Symphonic Band focuses on refining instrument playing skills and performing quality music literature of a higher difficulty level. The Symphonic Band will perform many concerts throughout the school year and during the month of April is a participant in the MSBOA State Festival. Members of this ensemble are highly encouraged to study privately with our adjunct faculty. Additionally, these students are required to provide professional concert critiques, and participate in MSBOA solo and ensemble and MSBOA region band events.
The Concert Band is one of three concert bands in the Dakota High School band program. The Concert Band meets during 3rd hour and is made up of students from all grade levels. The Concert Band focuses on developing and refining instrument playing skills and performing quality music literature. The Concert Band will perform many concerts throughout the year and will participate in MSBOA region band events.
The Percussion Ensemble is a new class ensemble as of 2021. All percussionists in the Dakota High School band program will meet during 2nd hour to study percussion technique and music. This class will also perform within the concert bands as well as a separate ensemble at all Dakota Band concerts. This ensemble will have the opportunity to perform at District Ensemble as well as any state contests.
The Jazz Band at Dakota High School is an extension of the band program that meets during the Spring Semester. The ensemble consists of students who are members of the band program. Entrance into the Jazz Band requires an audition and is made up of traditional jazz instruments including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, drum set, and other instruments as needed. The Jazz Band performs numerous concerts throughout the year and participates at festivals across the state of Michigan.
